You've probably heard the buzz around Oxford lately. Coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin—Coach Yo, if you're actually paying attention—has this program at a level we haven't seen in decades. Honestly, looking at the Ole Miss women’s basketball schedule, it's a gauntlet. It isn’t just about showing up and playing some ball; it’s a calculated, brutal march through the SEC that’s designed to test if this squad is actually Final Four material.
The Rebels are currently sitting at No. 16 in the nation (as of mid-January 2026), and they just came off a massive 93-68 statement win against Mississippi State. That wasn't just a rivalry win. It was the largest margin of victory over State since 1997. If you aren't paying attention to how this schedule is laid out, you're missing the real story of how a "portal-heavy" team becomes a juggernaut.
The SEC Gauntlet: Why January and February Are Different
The thing most people get wrong about the Ole Miss women’s basketball schedule is thinking the hard part is over once the non-conference "big names" like Notre Dame are in the rearview mirror. Nope. Not even close. SEC play in 2026 is basically a nightly car crash. With Texas and Oklahoma now fully integrated into the conference, there are no "off" nights.
Take a look at what the Rebels are staring down right now. On January 18, they’re heading to Athens to play Georgia. Then, things get even weirder. They’ve got a Monday night primetime slot against Tennessee on January 26. You’ve got to love the scheduling there—ESPNU, 6:00 p.m. CT. It’s the kind of game that decides whether you're hosting an NCAA tournament regional or traveling to someone else's gym.
Upcoming Key Matchups to Circle
- Jan 18: at Georgia (11:00 AM CT, SEC Network) - A classic trap game.
- Jan 22: at Missouri (6:30 PM CT, SECN+) - Columbia is always colder and harder to play in than people admit.
- Jan 26: vs Tennessee (6:00 PM CT, ESPNU) - This is the "We Back Pat" window. The Pavilion needs to be rocking.
- Jan 29: vs Vanderbilt (6:30 PM CT, SECN+) - Don't sleep on Vandy; they’ve been a surprise top-10 team this year.
- Feb 1: vs Auburn (2:00 PM CT, SECN+) - Sunday matinee hoops.
- Feb 5: at Alabama (8:00 PM CT, SEC Network) - A late-night Thursday clash in Tuscaloosa.
The schedule isn't just a list of dates. It's a narrative. Coach Yo has built this roster with players like Cotie McMahon (the Ohio State transfer who is currently playing like an All-American) and Christeen Iwuala. They needed the early games to gel, but now the chemistry is actually there.
The "Big Three" Road Trip
If you really want to see what this team is made of, look at the end of February on the Ole Miss women’s basketball schedule. This is the part that keeps coaches up at night.
On February 19, the Rebels host LSU. Kim Mulkey. The glitz. The intensity. That’s at 8:00 p.m. on the main ESPN channel. But it’s the turnaround that’s the killer. Just three days later, on February 22, they have to fly to Columbia to face South Carolina.
Playing the two best programs in the country back-to-back? That’s basically a postseason preview. Honestly, if Ole Miss goes 1-1 in that stretch, they might be a lock for a 2-seed in the Big Dance.
How to Actually Watch the Games
Look, I get it. Trying to find where a game is streaming in 2026 is sort of a nightmare. The SEC's deal with Disney means everything is under the ESPN umbrella, but that doesn't mean it's all on your TV.
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Basically, if it’s a "National" game, you’re looking at ESPN, ESPN2, or the SEC Network. If it’s not on those, it’s on SEC Network+ (SECN+). A lot of fans get confused here—SECN+ isn't a separate channel you buy. It’s a digital stream available through the ESPN app if you already have a provider like Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, or DirecTV.
The Rebels are getting a record 12 nationally televised games this year. That’s more than ever before. It shows you exactly where the "brand" of Ole Miss women's basketball is headed. People want to see Coach Yo. They want to see this defense that just forced 13 steals against State.
What’s at Stake for the Postseason?
The Ole Miss women’s basketball schedule concludes on March 1 against Texas A&M at home. After that, it’s off to the SEC Tournament.
The goal for this season isn't just "making" the tournament. The Rebels have done that. The goal is the Elite Eight and beyond. To get there, they need to maintain a high NET ranking, which means they can't afford "bad losses" to teams like Arkansas or Florida down the stretch.
The depth on this roster is its biggest strength. When you have Sira Thienou putting up 20 points and Latasha Lattimore coming off the bench to score 17, you have a team that can handle the fatigue of a 16-game SEC schedule.
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Actionable Steps for Rebels Fans
If you're planning on following the rest of the season, here's how to stay ahead of the curve:
- Download the ESPN App: Make sure your TV provider is linked now so you don't miss tip-off for those SECN+ games like the Vanderbilt matchup on Jan 29.
- Check the Theme Nights: If you're going to the SJB Pavilion, check the "Wear" schedule. They’ve got "Wear Red" for the Tennessee game and "Military Appreciation" for Vanderbilt.
- Monitor the NET Rankings: Keep an eye on how the Rebels' opponents are doing. A win over Oklahoma (which they already got) keeps looking better as the Sooners win more games.
- Follow Coach Yo on Socials: Seriously. The energy she brings is half the fun of following the team, and she often gives direct updates on player availability that you won't find in the official box scores until it's too late.
The rest of the winter is going to be a wild ride in Oxford. This team has the talent, the coach, and—finally—the schedule to prove they belong at the very top of the college basketball world.